With skills learned from the Club Tech program, Marco plans to pursue a graphic design degree.

Marco V., 17, has been attending Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver for the past three years. He first heard about the Club from his cousin who told Marco about the array of programs and activities the Club had to offer, including part-time job opportunities.

Marco was instantly drawn to the technology lab, an area that offered an opportunity to learn about different types of technology and software programs. He was soon offered a position as a tech peer leader to help encourage his peers to learn different aspects of the Club Tech program. From there, Marco grew into a leader and role model at the Club, becoming a member of junior staff and attaining the coveted vice president position of his Boys & Girls Club leadership program, Keystone Club.

As someone who proved a valuable leader in all capacities with the Club and specifically with technology, Marco was a prime candidate for the Taco Bell Graduate to Go internship, which he won in 2011. Through the internship, Macro was exposed to potential careers and served as a social media reporter, chronicling his experience through digital media. He also received a $10,000 educational scholarship, tablet, digital camera and traveled to Las Vegas, California and Texas during his time there. The most enjoyable part of the internship was meeting many successful people who related very well to his experiences in life.

“The Graduate to Go digital internship was great because it taught me the importance of networking and social media as part of the business side to art. These things are so important to learn now and to our future.”

College BoundAfter he graduates this May, Marco plans to attend the Arts Institute of Colorado to pursue a degree in graphic design and business. He’s already put his technology know-how to use by starting a T-shirt design company that uses his designs. Marco is excited to see his company grow and hopes to do a number of different design projects for his business.

“The Club Tech program showed me the basics of graphic design. It has helped me to see what I want to continue to do in the future. My love for fashion, art and technology are the main reasons I want to pursue a degree in graphic design.”

Marco feels that technology will serve as a big part of his future, and also for his peers and kids for generations to come. “Kids learning and understanding programs like Photoshop and Microsoft office as well as tools like social media and video will help them for their future. At the Club, kids have access to all of this, even if they do not have it available at home.”